Fuel line issue

[kjfishman]

I replaced the fuel line on my 50HP Merc just a few years ago and the inner liner is collapsing already. I have ran alcohol free gas and the boat is stored in the garage so can't blame UV for the problem.  I think I am going to buy automotive fuel line and cover the line with cable sleeving to minimize UV damage.

Thoughts.

  https://www.amazon.com/225FWY-Expandable-Sleeving-Sheathing-Braided/dp/B07121CVYB/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?keywords=5%2F16%2Bplastic%2Btubing&qid=1567090213&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-13-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWlhOTTM2TFZHRVY0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDc0OTQwM1FBUlRLREVTNTZWUCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDkyNTU2MU5QVk45REpCRlcxJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

[Log Catcher]

I had my boat in the shop to get the water pump replaced a few years ago. The dealer told me the fuel lines needed to be replaced. They were not bad yet but said ethanol would damage them after a while. They replaced them with some that ethanol can't damage. I don't remember a specific name or type of material they told me the lines were made of.

[Way2slow]

Two things, the first is it's almost impossible to alcohol free gas every time, sometimes these independents will sell it and not say it.  

Second, and foremost, SOOOO much of our products are inferior Chinese junk that's it's getting hard to buy a quality item.  Even when you buy what was once a top quality, name brand, you soon learn they have started outsources their stuff from China. 

Just the other day I was going over my 1999, 225 and noticed a couple of hoses I replaced three of four years ago where already hard and brittle, yet most of the hoses are the original hoses from day of manufacture, and they are still soft and flexible.   They all have the same gas going through them.

[kjfishman]

3 hours ago, Way2slow said:

Two things, the first is it's almost impossible to alcohol free gas every time, sometimes these independents will sell it and not say it.  

Second, and foremost, SOOOO much of our products are inferior Chinese junk that's it's getting hard to buy a quality item.  Even when you buy what was once a top quality, name brand, you soon learn they have started outsources their stuff from China. 

Just the other day I was going over my 1999, 225 and noticed a couple of hoses I replaced three of four years ago where already hard and brittle, yet most of the hoses are the original hoses from day of manufacture, and they are still soft and flexible.   They all have the same gas going through them.

Yes a few years ago I thought I would be proactive and change the fuel line since my boats a 2001. Now its $40 for low quality fuel lines that don't last.

 

[TheRodFather]

On 8/29/2019 at 11:09 AM, kjfishman said:

I replaced the fuel line on my 50HP Merc just a few years ago and the inner liner is collapsing already. I have ran alcohol free gas and the boat is stored in the garage so can't blame UV for the problem.  I think I am going to buy automotive fuel line and cover the line with cable sleeving to minimize UV damage.

Thoughts.

  https://www.amazon.com/225FWY-Expandable-Sleeving-Sheathing-Braided/dp/B07121CVYB/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?keywords=5%2F16%2Bplastic%2Btubing&qid=1567090213&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-13-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWlhOTTM2TFZHRVY0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDc0OTQwM1FBUlRLREVTNTZWUCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDkyNTU2MU5QVk45REpCRlcxJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

The grey stuff that the fuel bulb kits use seems to be impervious to breakdown.  Not sure what it is made out of though.